EV vs Gas Calculator – 5-Year Cost Comparison
Compare the true 5-year cost of owning an electric vehicle vs a gas car.
About This Calculator
Compare the true 5-year cost of owning an electric vehicle vs a gas car. Use the calculator above for instant results.
Worked Examples
- Gas fuel: $1,600/yr | EV charging: $446/yr
- Gas total (5yr): $88,000 | EV total (5yr): $89,230
- Near break-even over 5 years
Answer: Near break-even
- EV clearly wins by $6,000+ over 5 years
Answer: EV wins at $5/gas
- EV savings on fuel don't offset higher purchase price quickly
Answer: Gas may win at low mileage
Who Uses This Calculator?
Compare true 5-year ownership cost.
Include EV in financial planning.
Quantify environmental and financial benefit.
Model fleet electrification ROI.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Only comparing sticker price
EV ownership includes fuel savings, lower maintenance (no oil changes, fewer brakes due to regen), and potential tax credits.
❌ Ignoring federal tax credit
Federal EV tax credit up to $7,500 for qualifying vehicles and income levels. Significantly improves EV economics.
Frequently Asked Questions
EV federal tax credit?
Up to $7,500 for new EVs under the Inflation Reduction Act. Income limits apply. Check IRS.gov or fueleconomy.gov.
EV maintenance cost?
EVs have fewer moving parts. No oil changes. Brakes last longer (regen braking). Average maintenance: 40-50% less than gas.
Home charging cost?
Level 2 charger (240V) adds ~25 miles/hour. Costs $500-1,500 to install. Pays off in 1-2 years vs public charging.